EEOC sues Estée Lauder over unequal leave benefits

Cosmetic giant Estée Lauder faces charges its parental leave benefits discriminate against men. In 2013, the company instituted a new policy for new parents. Women were provided with six weeks paid leave to recover from childbirth and another six weeks of paid leave to bond with the new child. The company only offers male employees two weeks of paid bonding time.

Additionally, female employees can have flexible schedules upon return from maternity leave. New dads receive no similar benefit.

The EEOC has filed suit in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania seeking back pay and compensatory and punitive damages on behalf of a class of male employees. Additionally, the EEOC seeks to have Estée Lauder change its policies to provide the same benefits to both sexes.

Note: However generous an employer wishes to be to new mothers, it must extend the same benefits to new fathers.